Calverton Miners' Welfare FC

SPORT SUPPORTS THE BATTLE AGAINST OBESITY

Calverton Football Club run a Football and Nutrition Course

There is a real concern about the fitness levels of children in this country and fighting child obesity is high up on the government's agenda.

One football club in Nottinghamshire, has just received a grant from the Sport England Lottery Fund to look at using the power of football, to educate young children, and their parents about the importance of fitness and healthy eating.

The club has put on a two week coaching course for children aged between 5 and 12 years. The children receive fun coaching sessions, from qualified coaches within the club, in a quality, safe and secure environment.

Each child receives a free meal at lunchtime, which is provided by the qualified nutritionist at the club. The food is aimed to be new and novel to the children, but most importantly nutritious. The nutritionist will discuss with the children the benefits of eating 5 fruits / vegetables a day to raise the awareness of healthy eating.

Each Friday, during the two weeks, the children's parents are invited to attend a presentation ceremony. At this presentation the nutritionist will talk to the parents about what the children have been eating, and why, and a recipe leaflet will be given to the parents.

If this scheme proves to be a success the club aims to expand the programme, and offer the scheme to schools in the local area. The club will run an out of school hours club, that again will educate children and parents on the importance of exercising and healthy eating, whilst also providing children with high quality football activity.